Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia
Filing for Divorce
I have filed a Bill of Complaint for divorce with Arlington County, my wife's county of residence, and mailed a Service Waiver and proposed Settlement Agreement to my wife currently in Canada working at the American Consulate in Quebec. What do I do next if she does not respond to those documents? How long do I wait before acting? Thanks for your help.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Filing for Divorce
Your wife presumably has at least 21 days to respond to your divorce suit. If such does not occur after the elapse of that time period, then you will likely be required to proceed as if the matter is contested and the court (only after proof that your spouse has been given proper notice of the suit) should be able to grant the divorce but not adjudicate the settlement of any property or other financial interests connected with your marriage.